Job Information
Actalent Network Architect in Manassas, Virginia
Job Title: Network ArchitectJob Description
We are seeking a Network Engineer to be part of a key engineering team that is building new architectures across large Naval Submarine subsystems. This technology creates a common, open-architecture system-of-systems electronic designs aboard submarines to promote interoperability during joint operations with integrated fighting forces. In essence, this system acts as the central nervous system of a submarine, connecting all other subsystems. The engineer will use their expertise to design the submarine's network system, creating a private cloud for edge communication.
Responsibilities
Design and enhance computer network communications, including specifications and schematics for network architecture on multiple subsystems.
Evaluate and recommend network hardware and software selections, implementation techniques, and tools for the most efficient solutions to meet tactical programmatic needs, including present and future capacity requirements.
Monitor and maintain the network, manage configurations, provide network support and resolve problems, analyze system performance, and evaluate performance metrics.
Interface with customers, developers, and support programs to ensure optimal communication flow between subsystems.
Conduct performance and failover testing of network devices and assess their impact on system stability.
Maintain technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware/software interconnection and interfaces, such as firewalls, routers, switches, gateways, middleware, etc., and OSI layer 1/2/3/4 functionality.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance network system performance and monitoring capabilities.
Document network configurations for working group presentations and exchanges.
Evaluate the use of dual Container Network Interface (CNI) plugins to support multiple Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) sizes and assess the feasibility of using a single MTU within the PaaS environment versus dual MTUs for external workloads.
Migrate to a 10.CCE for the PaaS network, reducing the number of Access Control Lists (ACLs) for Control Plane traffic in Platform as a Service (PaaS) while maintaining subsystem subnet ingress/egress.
Evaluate the need for applications using Broadcast on VxLAN.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, IT, or related field.
5+ years of network integration experience for various network protocol standards such as TCP/IP, HSRP/VRRP, RIP, OSPF, BGP, RSTP (802.1w), MSTP (802.1s), DHCP, 802.1q tagging, multicast, PAgP or LACP (EtherChannel), QoS, and Active-Active technologies (vPC and IRF).
Experience with VxLAN.
Experience in analyzing VLANs, spanning-tree, routing (static and dynamically implemented protocols), ACLs, IP addressing, and subnetting.
Experience with virtual IP networks and virtual port routing.
Proficiency with packet analysis tools such as Wireshark or Sniffers.
Experience with high throughput streaming packets.
Experience with Kubernetes Container Network Interfaces (CNI) technologies such as Calico, Flannels, and Canal.
Eligibility for a US Secret Clearance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience in architecting and building complex supercomputing networks.
Network troubleshooting and problem identification skills.
Familiarity with network device vendors such as Cisco and Arista.
Knowledge of 1/10/25/40/100 Gig protocols, serial and satellite links, cable standards, and optical specifications/requirements.
Familiarity with Linux OS, SNMP, and Python.
Knowledge of TCP/UDP protocol packet format.
Understanding of Software Defined Networking using OVS.
Work Environment
The position is 100% onsite with occasional work-from-home flexibility for tasks like sick days or paperwork. The work schedule consists of four 10-hour days per week, offering flexibility in the schedule but requiring onsite presence during work hours. The team includes engineers responsible for securing submarine systems, and opportunities exist to advance technology knowledge through multiple programs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90.00 - $110.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Manassas,VA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.